With the year I had, I have an extreme longing to grow as a person this coming year; to get to know the new me and take care of myself. I want to grow emotionally and achieve my goals. And of course, I have asked myself, “How am I going to do this?”

 

So I’ve taken the time to think (and read) about how I can achieve this and here are the seven ways I plan on doing it.

 

1. REFLECT ON WHO YOU ARE

This gives you an inside look at your thoughts and a way to learn more about yourself. I do this through writing, but you don’t have to keep a diary. You can pin quotes you relate to, create a playlist of songs that speak to your heart, or just take five minutes to think.

Once you can see the patterns in your life that either makes you happy or upset, you start to understand what your motives and desires are for a better life.

 

2. KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

No one is perfect. That we know by now. But sometimes we tend to focus so much on our weaknesses, that we forget to keep working on our strengths. Before we know it, our strengths have grown into a weakness. It’s time we embrace both.

 

3. LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS

Not everything happens for a reason. So you can’t always capture life in statistics and data, and make all your decisions according to that. Sometimes life is about what you feel and if you feel something, listen to it. That gut-feeling is what helps you in a stressful situation or gets you excited for moving into your new home.

 

4. KEEP THE PEOPLE YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

To grow, you need people in your life who are right for you. Learn who brings positivity and growth to you, and keep them close. Learn who brings you down and close that door.

Remember, closing that door doesn’t have to be permanent. You are allowed to close it temporarily – if that’s what you need – but not everyone is going to be understanding. Then you have to ask yourself again, “Do I want people like that in my life?”

 

5. STAND YOUR GROUND

“No” might just be two tiny letters, but it’s still a complete sentence. Put boundaries in place and don’t budge. Self-care is not selfish. Only you can refuel and safeguard your own well-being.

 

6. DISCOVER NEW THINGS

This is definitely on my to-do list because as much as life can suck, the world has a lot to offer too.

 

When you discover new things, you discover more about yourself. So I’m going to take road trips, read new books, and try different food. Self-growth is shaped by our individual experiences.

 

7. LOVE YOURSELF

Let’s all say it together, “DIII – FFIII – CULT. Difficult.” Let’s say it again, but with a little more enthusiasm… Just kidding.

 

One of the most difficult tasks we may ever face is self-love and appreciation. But I hope to learn this through self-reflection, surrounding myself with good people, putting boundaries in place, and discovering new things.

 

If there was ever a moment to love yourself and grow, that moment is now.